The Linfield College theatre program invites the public to a special Veterans Day benefit performance of “Fifth of July” on Friday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at the Marshall Theatre in Ford Hall at Linfield.
All proceeds from ticket sales for this performance will be donated to the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary of Yamhill County.
A post-show discussion, “Veterans’ Perspectives on War,” will follow the performance. Veterans from several wars will share their perspectives on their war experiences and the challenges of returning to civilian life. The panel will include: Jim Ragsdale, World War II veteran; Bob Ferguson, Vietnam War veteran and 1965 Linfield graduate; Professor Michael Jones, Vietnam War veteran; Daniel Belderrain, Vietnam War veteran and 1973 Linfield graduate; Professor Eric Schuck, Gulf War II veteran; and James Duckworth, Gulf War II veteran and 2007 Linfield graduate.
The play features eight student cast members directed by Janet Gupton, associate professor of theatre arts at Linfield. “Fifth of July” is the last play in the late Landford Wilson’s trilogy about the Talley Family. The play examines how a group of friends who were former college student activists against the Vietnam War copes with their misfortunes and struggles to piece together their lives since college. The play’s title has an underlying meaning. The date, July 5, signifies a beginning. In history, it is the beginning of the United States and to the characters, a beginning of a new phase in their lives.
The production will also be performed Nov. 10 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Marshall Theatre. Tickets are available on the web at www.linfield.edu/culture, by calling 503-883-2292, or at the Marshall Theatre Box Office. Located just inside the lobby of Ford Hall, the box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., and until 7:30 p.m. on performance days. The Marshall Theatre is fully accessible. For more information, call 503-883-2292.
